Ekpessosso 361st edition: the color of the stone is dirty white

In the afternoon of Thursday August 29, 2024, the 361st edition of the ceremony to take the sacred stone took place in the Glidji-Kpodji district.

Pacôme Yawovi ADJOUROUVI, Minister of Human Rights, Training and Citizenship and Relations with the Institutions of the Republic, Mademe Kayi Mivedor, Minister of Trade and Local Consumption, Madame Ablamba Johnson, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Gbloèkpo Koamy GOMADO, Minister of Territorial Planning and Development, Mr. Datè TETEVI-BENISSINGBE, Mr. Goua KOUIGAN, Minister of Communication, Media and Culture, Government Spokesman, Members of Parliament. Datè TETEVI-BENISSAN BENISSAN, Prefect of Lacs, mayors of Lacs 1, 2, 3 and 4, traditional, military, judicial and local authorities.

The ceremony began with a welcome address by His Highness Assafoatsè Kanyi Mathias FOLLY BEBE, Prince Regent to the Throne, who welcomed the officials, all the Guinean sons and daughters and all the participants in this 361st edition of Ekpésosso. In his speech, he recalled that the basis of their tradition is fraternity and peace.

He was followed by Mrs. Yawa KOUIGAN in her role as government spokeswoman, who conveyed to the audience the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Togolese Republic, and his encouragement to the organizing committee. She also reminded those present that , unity is strength.

The ceremony continued with prayers and blessings from three traditional priests.
The ceremony ended with the taking and presentation of the sacred stone. This year, the stone is a dirty white color. The priests explained the color of the stone and the message it brought: the stone is dirty white because of the disunity between the Guin community.

Message and recommendations

The message conveyed by the dirty-white color of the stone is for children to respect their parents and debtors to repay their debts. In the event of incapacity, debtors should enter into negotiations. It also warns against voluntary termination of pregnancy. The other strong message is respect for tradition. Sacrifices must be made to twins to ward off bad luck.

This is the 361st time the stone has been taken. It heralds the start of the New Year for the Guin people, who are very attached to their culture and tradition. As usual, the region was a magnet for tourists from all over the world who came to experience the event.